What Clients Are Asking AI About Mortgages and Why Human Advice Still Matters

As artificial intelligence becomes a familiar tool in everyday financial decision‑making, more homebuyers and homeowners are turning to AI platforms to ask questions about mortgages, refinancing, and the overall home‑buying process. Surveys show that AI is now part of the research journey for a significant portion of buyers — 32% of homebuyers use AI tools to research mortgages, and 48% of prospective buyers plan to use AI in their 2026 home search.

While AI can be a useful starting point, it often leaves out important details. AI doesn’t have the knowledge to provide personalized strategy, local market knowledge, and integrated financial planning. That’s why Stifel clients continue to rely on their financial advisors, mortgage lenders, and realtors for guidance that goes far beyond what digital tools can offer.

Here’s a look at the top questions consumers are asking AI — and how partnering with a Stifel Financial Advisor and Mortgage Lender can provide clarity where AI cannot.

1. “How much home can I afford?”
Consumers frequently turn to AI for quick affordability estimates or payment projections. AI tools excel at math and can instantly calculate principal, interest, taxes, and insurance based on simple inputs. But they miss crucial nuances.

AI cannot see a buyer’s full financial picture, such as other liabilities, lifestyle goals, or upcoming life transitions that may affect long‑term affordability. For example, AI may say a borrower can afford a $400,000 home based on income alone — yet it won’t factor in student loans, upcoming career changes, or non‑traditional expenses.

How Stifel Bank & Trust helps:

We integrate mortgage planning with your full balance sheet and long‑term strategy — something AI simply can’t replicate.

2. “What mortgage is best for me?”
Borrowers often ask AI to compare loan types, such as fixed‑rate vs. ARM, jumbo vs. conforming, or whether to buy points. AI’s explanations are accurate at a high level, yet recommendations may rely on generalized or outdated information, especially regarding local lending rules and property‑specific details.
 

How Stifel Bank & Trust helps:

We evaluate your risk tolerance, market outlook, portfolio structure, and tax considerations — then design a lending strategy aligned with your broader financial plan.

3. “Should I refinance now?”
Refinancing is one of the most common topics consumers ask AI about. AI tools are increasingly using predictive analytics to forecast future interest rate movements and to model potential savings from refinancing.

Borrowers should be cautious: while AI can analyze historical trends or simulate scenarios, it cannot interpret governmental policy changes, local appraisal dynamics, or lender‑specific underwriting factors that materially affect outcomes.

How Stifel Bank & Trust helps:

We use real‑time market expertise and a deep understanding of your liquidity needs, debt strategy, and long-term wealth plan.

4. “How fast can I get approved?”
AI is reshaping borrower expectations. Digital-first lenders now use AI-driven platforms that verify income, assets, and documents in seconds and can reduce approval times by 60–70% compared to traditional methods.

Consumers increasingly ask AI how to get the “fastest” mortgage — but overlook the risk of working with providers who optimize for speed over service, accuracy, or long‑term financial fit.

How Stifel Bank & Trust helps:

We combine digital efficiency with human oversight to ensure speed never replaces good judgment. We also understand the real world perspective and can consider each individual’s qualifying criteria, rather than only how they compare to other applicants and homebuyers.

5. “What will happen to mortgage rates?”
With rate volatility over the last several years, borrowers frequently rely on AI for projections. AI tools use economic indicators and historical data to generate forward‑looking scenarios, and many consumers ask questions like:

• “Will mortgage rates drop soon?”
• “Should I lock or float my rate?”
• “Is now a good time for a cash‑out refinance?”

AI models can predict directional trends, but they cannot reliably account for future Federal Reserve decisions or monetary policy changes, global events, or shifts in market sentiment.

How Stifel Bank & Trust helps:

Our loan officers provide context — not just numbers — helping clients weigh rate strategy alongside broader investment and liquidity decisions.

6. “Can I get personalized advice?” (A common misconception)
Consumers increasingly ask AI for customized recommendations — especially around refinancing, debt consolidation, and leveraging home equity for investments. AI can analyze public data and offer general suggestions, but it cannot deliver true personalization.

Even advanced AI underwriting models used by lenders lack the emotional intelligence and holistic awareness needed for major financial decisions, including assessing future goals or life plans like starting a family or downsizing in retirement.

How Stifel Bank & Trust helps:

Your mortgage strategy should work as part of a coordinated financial plan. AI provides information; Stifel Bank & Trust loan officers provide wisdom.

7. “Is AI replacing real estate and mortgage professionals?”
Not at all — and consumers ask AI about this often.

AI has become a powerful tool for streamlining documentation, underwriting, and customer support. Some lenders now automate up to 80% of the loan approval process and significantly reduce closing times. 

When it comes to negotiating, understanding local markets, and making emotionally and financially complex decisions, humans remain essential.

How Stifel Bank & Trust helps:

Your Stifel Financial Advisor and Mortgage Loan Officer collaborate to ensure your home financing decisions align with your goals — with personalized insight AI cannot deliver

The Bottom Line: AI Is a Starting Point — Not a Strategy

AI has made mortgage information more accessible than ever, and consumers are taking advantage of that. But major decisions like purchasing a home, refinancing, or leveraging equity require more than quick answers.

Your home and your financial future deserve more than automated advice.

At Stifel Bank & Trust, we help you turn information into strategy — and strategy into confidence.

If you’d like to discuss your mortgage or refinancing options in today’s market, we’re here to help.

Sources

NerdWallet. 2024 Home Buyer Report. https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/studies/home-buyer-report

Veterans United. AI in the Homebuying Process Survey. https://www.veteransunited.com/education/ai-homebuying-survey/

Mortgage Research Center. How AI Is Transforming the Mortgage Industry. https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/ai-in-mortgage-industry/

HousingWire. Rocket Launches Patented AI-Driven Tech Platform. https://www.housingwire.com/articles/rocket-launches-patented-ai-driven-tech-platform/

HousingWire. Better.com AI / Tinman Underwriting Technology. https://www.housingwire.com/articles/vishal-garg-better-ai-betsy-tinman-mortgage-underwriting-technology/

Stifel Bank & Trust, NLMS #375103

Please contact your Stifel Bank & Trust Lender for loan program details. This information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to extend consumer credit as defined by section 1026.2 of Regulation “Z.” Interest rate, program terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. 

Stifel Bank & Trust offers mortgage services to clients of Stifel and current and prospective homeowners in the St. Louis Metro Area of Missouri and Illinois.